How do we start?
The best way to start a case for support is to first develop a project plan (template included in this toolkit). This approach is the best because it means you have your entire project details (e.g. objectives, activities, impact, cost and resource) finalised before you start to develop a compelling case for a donor. This helps to ensure that you develop projects to meet the aims of the organisation, rather than developing projects to meet the needs for funders (of course, sometimes both approaches are required).
What does a good case for support look like?
A good case for support will provide the information that is most compelling for the specific donor you are presenting it to. The output of the process can look however you like - but having a word document as the initial basis is often best. The easiest way to develop and present a case for support is to follow a simple template to ensure some all the key information is included, and this template will most likely cover the following aspects of planned activity: what, why, how, how much, who and when.
A good case for support usually:
🔴 Uses clear and simple language
🟠 Identifies the need and the urgency
🟡 Is both emotional and informative
🟢 Specifies objectives to achieve your vision
🔵 Uses facts and numbers to show you have a strong plan
🟣 Tells the story of impact
A good case for support includes both emotional and rational appeal - speaking to the head and the heart of your prospective donor. Personal stories and facts are powerful, in different ways. Your case for support should also answer the questions they are likely to have about the invitation to fund your work. These questions are typical, and will be answered by a good case for support:
🔴 What problem are you trying to solve?
🟠 Why are you the right organisation to make it happen?
🟡 How will the money be used?
🟢 When the problem is solved, what will be different?
🔵 How will I know you spent my money well?
Does a good case for support guarantee income?
A strong case for support gives you the basis of every thing you need to write a compelling application or to have a persuasive conversation with a potential donor. It helps you to be ready to respond quickly to opportunities as they arise rather than having to start again every time. It saves a lot of time in searching for information when you have an urgent deadline. All of this increases the likelihood of securing income, although of course there is no guarantee.
How can you tell if a case support is working?
The most obvious measurement of a successful case for support is that you are securing funds for the project it is for. But this isn’t ever guaranteed, so other ways you can measure if it works are how often you are using it/referring to it and how much time you are saving in applications.
If you are concerned it isn’t working well enough you can ask someone external to the organisation/group to review it and give feedback.